The year 2013-14 (our fifteenth) year in review by the CVFSA and the highlights of our annual general meeting

Members of the national Board arrived in Ottawa on Wednesday afternoon on September 10th to begin talks on Thursday morning. The photo below shows the entire group from across this great nation. The individuals that appear in the photo are as follows: (L to R) John McKee, Chief Financial Officer; Jason Cochrane, assistant NS director; Paul C. Maynard, NS Director; Dean Allison, NB Director; James O’Connor, PE Director; C. Ryan Edgar, assistant ON director; Martin E. Bell, Chief Administrative Officer; Grah am Pawlett, Vice President and BC Director; Troy R. Mutch, National President and AB Director; Robert A. Main, assistant AB director; Nathalie Michaud, QC Director; Kyle Luc, SK Director; and Dave Thomson, ON Director. The business began on Thursday by all directors reviewing the bylaws as they were prepared by the Association’s solicitor. There were several suggested changes made over the preceding months to meet the Canada Not – for – profit Corporations Act. Directors provided input so that we could have a n ew set of rules that are modern, flexible and better suited to the needs of today’s not – for – profit sector. This will give the directors the power and the duty to manage the activities of the Association. Through a Special Meeting held on Thursday morning a t the Delta Hotel, the directors approved all changes and will present the suggested changes to the annual general meeting on Saturday morning. The suggested changes were sent out by postal mail to all members a month in advance of the AGM. This year was a special year for the CVFSA as they were the 2014 honourary ceremony host, representing all volunteer firefighters for the Canadian Firefighters’ Memorial Ceremony.The CVFSA put together an Honour Guard in support of the Firefighters’ Memorial Ceremony . The members were chosen from across Canada and were reflective of small, large, volunteer, career, and forestry sectors. The members of the, “2014 CVFSA Honour Guard”, from left to right included, Kristofer Heemeryck , Charles Olsen, Chris Schwab, Wendy Weber, Shawn O’Neil, Paul Edwards, John Hay, Nathalie Michaud, C. Ryan Edgar, Denis Lauzon, and Colton Barrett. For those who attended the AGM and Educational Presentation, they would h ave noticed a table that remained empty. It was reserved to honour our fallen firefighters. This symbolizes that they are with us, there in spirit. We should never forget the brave men and women who answered their communities call for help. Firefighter/Saf ety Officer Ron Seney, MRE from the New Germany volunteer fire department explained the meaning of the items at this special table. The tablecloth is white – symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty. The view is from the 27 floor of the Delta Hotel. We chose this salon because it provides a clear view of the Canadian Firefighters Memorial and it’s bronze statue made of couplings from across Canada. It also shows the Canadian War Museum built in honour of another group of ver y special Canadians. To the left of the table is the flag of our nation and to the right is the flag of our Association. In the center of the table is a single candle. The tools of the trade are set on the floor in front of the table as a symbol of our con tinued determination to remember our fallen comrades. A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those who will never return. A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by the families of those who have sacrificed all. Two untouched bagels, they cannot eat with us at this time. The chairs are empty because they are no longer with us. Ron asked that those present remember – and never forget their sacrifice. May they and their families ever be watched over and protected. This year as our guest to light the memory candle was Ronald Mostrey, national president of the FCPOC. During this year’s AGM in Ottawa, CVFSA Director Graham Pawlett presented CFFF President Robert Kirkpatrick and 1st Vice President Doug Wylie with a check for $2500.00 from the sale of our annual challenge coin. The CVFSA has donated a total of $12,500 to the CFFF from the sale of our annual challenge coin over the p ast three years. The Association plans to issue a 2015 challenge coin and plan to further support the CFFF towards their scholarship and bursary programs. Martin Bell is the CVFSA representative to the Foundation’s (CFFF) National Board.

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Each of the provincial directors provided a summary of their activities and the important events in their respective provinces. Copies were available in French and English at the meeting for members and are published through the annual page posted on this web site.

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Joining us to present the 2014 (CVFSA) Lifetime Achievement Award The Honourable John Baird, Min. of Foreign Affairs Minister Baird spoke to the membership and guests for about ten minutes before moving into making a presentation of a crystal custom – made CVFSA vase to this year’s recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

The 2014 winner was Fire Chief Malcolm E. Noble, of the Elmsdale Fire and Emergency Services Department. Mac Noble joined his first fire department in 1962 and has served as a volunteer for 52 consecutive years. Those present got to watch a 12 minute video outlining the achievements and life of Mac Noble. In the left hand photo is, Ms. Melissa Arnold on behalf of Duracell Canada, Mac Noble, Anne Noble and the Hon. John Baird. Mac thanked Duracell Canada, Proctor and Gamble for the donation of 18 pallets of stock to the Caring and Sharing Angel Tree Food Bank, in Enfield, his hometown. He also thanked First Alert for the donation of 200 smoke alarms to be distributed in his community. Mac also thanked the CVFSA and his wife Anne for these memories .

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Denis Lauzon, Fire Chief Lac Mégantic, Québec, was the guest speaker this year at the annual meeting. He spoke about the event s that occurred in Lac Mégantic after a train derailment on July 6 2013. Through slides and video he went over step by step what occurred when a 74 – car freight train carrying Bakken formation crude oil ran away and derailed. Denis told this story over an h our and thirty minutes. He spoke from the heart about the fire and explosion that changed his town forever. Following the presentation he then took questions from the floor. The presentation was very personal and at times, Lauzon had to pause as his emotio ns briefly showed. It was an excellent presentation.

Partners and supporters of the CVFSA were thanked. (L to R) President Troy Mutch presents Mr. Jim Rtoz, of First Alert a plaque for their support. Martin Bell and Troy Mutch present Mr. Barry Balliet, President of Provident Benefits a plaque. Barry is both an Honorary Life Member of the CVFSA and a Director on America’s NFFF. On the right is retired fire chief Ronald Langille, a member of the Bridgewater Fire D epartment band who were the guest band chosen to participate in this year’s national Memorial Service. The Bridgewater Fire Department band is made up of volunteer firefighters and travelled to Ottawa to perform at city hall and the service. Firefighters marching in the national Memorial Service. Participants came from all across Canada.

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The flag of the Canadian Volunteer Fire Services Association is carried by volunteer firefighter Jeffrey Scarrow to lead in the participants of the 2014 Canadian Fighters Memorial. The CVFSA were proud to be the 2014 honourary ceremony host. To al l who participated, thank you.